Nipple discharge

Nipple discharge is any fluid that comes out of the nipple area in your breast.

Sometimes discharge from your nipples is OK and will get better on its own. You are more likely to have nipple discharge if you have been pregnant at least once.

Nipple discharge is most often not cancer (benign), but rarely, it can be a sign of breast cancer. It is important to find out what is causing it and to get treatment. Here are some reasons for nipple discharge:

Pregnancy

Recent breastfeeding

Rubbing on the area from a bra or t-shirt

Injury to the breast

Infection

Inflammation and clogging of the breast ducts

Noncancerous pituitary tumors

Small growth in the breast that is usually not cancer

Severe underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)

Fibrocystic breast (normal lumpiness in the breast)

Use of certain medicines

Use of certain herbs, such as anise and fennel

Widening of the milk ducts

Sometimes, babies can have nipple discharge. This is caused by hormones from the mother before birth. It should go away in 2 weeks.

Cancers such as Paget disease (a rare type of cancer involving the skin of the nipple) can also cause nipple discharge.

Symptoms

Nipple discharge that is NOT normal is:

Bloody

Comes from only one nipple

Comes out on its own without you squeezing or touching your nipple

Nipple discharge is more likely to be normal if it:

Comes out of both nipples

Happens when you squeeze your nipples

The color of the discharge does not tell you whether it is normal. The discharge can look milky, clear, yellow, green, or brown.

Squeezing your nipple to check for discharge can make it worse. Leaving the nipple alone may make the discharge stop.

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history.